The digital nomad community was growing but very much underground in the years leading up to the pandemic. Now the lifestyle is mainstream as more people have learned that there are ways to live a more fulfilling life with a little more free time and a job you can take with you anywhere. The digital nomad movement doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon, and if you’re striving to create and embrace this lifestyle, you need an accommodating destination. Read on to see why Antigua, Guatemala is a great digital nomad location.
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Internet & Cafe Scene
As a digital nomad, the internet is often your lifeline. Antigua has plenty of AirBnB’s, hostels and hotels, all which will provide sufficient Wi-Fi connections. In addition, the old capital of Antigua has a thriving cafe scene. All of these cafes have been “Bros tested and approved.” Great connection, food, coffee and vibes, many with rooftop views of the volcanoes surrounding the colonial city of Antigua.
History & Culture
If you are looking for some history and culture when you’re off the job, there is no shortage in Antigua. The combination of Spanish colonialism and Mayan culture makes Antigua rich with culture. There are museums ranging from chocolate to art to Mayan history. There are numerous churches and convents, some in ruins from several earthquakes which destroyed parts of the city in the 1700s.
A lot of people assume the food culture is similar to Mexico, but Guatemala has a unique cuisine. You can’t walk a block in Antigua without hearing a woman slapping a fresh tortilla between her hands. The street food and national staples like pepián and kak’ik are must try’s.
Cost of Living
Cost of living is a top concern for digital nomads, so rest assured, this won’t be a concern in Antigua, Guatemala. It’s easy to live on about $50 a day, more or less, depending on your style. We chose to live at the boutique hostel of Casi Casa for a few weeks for about $12-$15/night for a dorm bed.
The beds are super comfy, they have lightning fast internet, plenty of workspaces, a pool, sauna, and mezcal bar on site. The vibes cannot be matched here and we highly recommend staying with them. If your prefer a little more privacy, there are plenty of affordable AirBnB’s to choose from.
Weekend Trips & Next Stops
Whether you are looking to take advantage of the weekends and get out there, or you are ready to move on to your next destination, Antigua is a great jumping off point! Guatemala City is about an 1.5 hour drive (depending on traffic). The mystic Lake Atitlan, which is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, is about 2-3 hours away by car/shuttle.
If the beach is calling you, El Paredon is 2 hours away and is a chill surf town with a bustling nightlife. Or you can hop on a quick flight to Flores to explore the mind-blowing ruins of Tikal in the northern part of the country.
Adventure
Antigua is a great place for adventure seeking digital nomads. You can go sunset cruising on ATV’s on the hills and outskirts of the city. Seeking a little more adrenaline? How about hiking up an active volcano that erupts every 15 minutes? The Acatenango/Fuego hike is a must-do for all visitors in relatively decent shape.
Be sure to warm up your legs with a easier hike up the Pacaya Volcano, where you can roast marshmallows from the geothermal heat produced by the volcano, and even eat a volcano cooked pizza!
Things to Do
Antigua, Guatemala is a great digital nomad location because there are so many things to do! Here’s a short list of the possibilities:
- Check out the best view of Antigua at Cerro de la Cruz.
- Take Spanish lessons
- Go see an Antigua GFC soccer match
- Visit one of the many museums in the city
- People watch in the main plaza
- Walk around the city and admire the colonial architecture
- Get lost in Mercado Central
- Salsa dancing
- Go souvenir shopping in one of the many Artisan markets
- Cooking classes
- Weaving Classes
- Visit Hobbitenango
- Go for a tour at one of the local coffee farms
- Treat your body to a yoga class
- Experience the nightlife
🌎 BROS TIP: For a truly unique cultural experience, visit Antigua during Semana Santa (holy week). During the week leading up to Easter, the city comes alive with solemn celebrations and processions leading up to a full out celebration for Easter Sunday. The highlight is the temporary artwork created in the form of “alfombras”, Spanish for rug/carpet. These are created with plants, vegetables, flowers, seeds and more to create beautiful works of art, which are then walked over and ruined during the processions.
Safety
The city is safe with friendly locals, which is another reason why Antigua, Guatemala is a great digital nomad location. The nightlife shuts down early (1am if busy, but most likely earlier if the crowds are thin). The city is walkable and as long as you have some common sense and aren’t drunk stumbling around the city at night, you should be just fine.
Heading to Guatemala? Check out some Posts before your trip!
IS ANTIGUA YOUR NEXT DIGITAL NOMAD LOCATION?
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